Give Bora Bora, Maldives, and Santorini a break this winter when you go on the search of the perfect winter sun. We have found a few unexplored islands for you from around the world, which will make you contemplate coming back ever. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia:
Gili Trawangan has come to the mass’s knowledge just 30 years ago. This island, located off the northern tip of Indonesia, is a sanctum of serenity, enveloped by powdery white beaches, crystal blue waters and the vast open skies. The island is free of any cars, which means you will be disturbed by no honking whatsoever. But, that also means that the only way to go around is by foot, bicycle, or pony carts! Where do we sign up?
2. Umananda Island, Assam:
You don’t even have to leave the country for finding a secluded haven of quiet and peace. The Umananda island in Assam is the smallest inhabited island in the world and has been successful in keeping itself hidden from common sight. Resting on the Brahmaputra, Umananda’s Shiva temple is famous among the locals. A motorboat from Guwahati will take you to the island in no time.
3. Isola La Maddalena, Italy:
While Sardinia was stealing all the show, Isola la Maddalena remained a secret well kept from the world. This island is one of the 60 that are located across the water within the La Maddalena archipelago complex. So, what will you find here? Untouched white beach, turquoise blue water, Roman ruins and sheltered coves. The island also offers the most perfect sailing conditions.
4. Kastellorizo, Greece:
The mention of Greece itself evokes a certain very picturesque and sublime image in the mind. Greece had hidden Kastellorizo from sight, one of the prettiest inhabited islands in the Dodecanese. This island can be reached by air or by a ferry from the Rhodes. If you’re not so keen on taking the boats that take you the islets, you can simply jump off rocks and swim it out. Neoclassical houses of vivid colours against the backdrop of pristine blue waters paint a stunning picture.
5. Cies Islands, Spain:
Referred to as Galician Seychelles or the Galician Carribean by the locals, this tropical island is the perfect antidote to winter’s freezing temperatures. A stretch of 1,200 metres from Monteagudo to the Faro Islands, Cies islands in Spain welcomes visitors from the Rias Baixas by boat. Don’t forget to pack everything you need for days of sunbathing on Rodas, the longest beach on the Cies archipelago.
6. Assateague Island, Maryland:
Ever heard of an annual pony swim? Well, you can witness the spectacle at the Assateague Island in Maryland, the USA where over 150 wild horses shelter themselves. From the beaches to the marshes and the forests, it isn’t often that you get to see horses galloping as you soak some Vitamin D. The best view of this can be seen from the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge’s Loop Road, which is a three-hour walk. As for the annual pony swim, that one’s quite a show. The group which calls itself the Saltwater Cowboys make the ponies swim across the Assateague channel ever July.
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